Tool lets parents monitor students

Parents now can keep a much closer eye on what their children do at Watertown High School and Case Middle School.

The two schools have launched an online program, Parent Portal, which lets parents access such information as their child's grades, attendance and upcoming assignments.

"I think this will take away a lot of angry parents," Watertown High School Principal Lloyd L. Peck said. "There should be no more surprises when the report card comes out."

The program is meant to increase the opportunities for parents to be involved in their child's education, to increase communication between parents and teachers, and to give parents a chance to intervene earlier if their child is struggling in school or isn't attending class.

Letters were sent home with students in which Mr. Peck invited parents to maintain a strong connection with the school and to play a role in their child's education.

The program initially was set to be launched next school year, but Mr. Peck and Assistant Superintendent Mary-Margaret U. Zehr wanted to implement it as soon as possible to provide parents with an easy way to get involved.

The program is accessible at any time, so parents don't need to wait until school is in session to communicate with teachers, said Vicky L. Kolb, a health teacher at the high school and the parent of a Case Middle School student.

"Parents can make a connection a lot easier," Mrs. Kolb said. "For parents who are single or working, it might be a challenge to get to the school while the faculty are there."

Teachers are asked to update the information at least once a week. The information is confidential, and parents are given a password to access their child's account.

At the end of last week, more than 100 parents of high school students had registered Parent Portal accounts. Mr. Peck's goal is to sign up parents of 500 to 600 students — about half the school — this year.

And the prospect of their parents checking in on them may prompt some students to work a little harder and not skip class, Mr. Peck said.

"I think students might be a little nervous," Mr. Peck said. "They may be putting in a little more effort."

ON THE NET

Parent Portal:

www.watertowncsd.org/

index.cfm?&cid=5225&bid=8